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InterGlobe, Archer Aviation Partner to Bring Air Taxi Services to India by 2026

The venture plans to address the challenges of commuting between central Delhi and Gurugram, a distance of 27 km, by offering a swift 7-minute flight.

November 10, 2023. By News Bureau

In a ground breaking collaboration, InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE), the promoters of India's largest airline IndiGo, have teamed up with California-based Archer Aviation Inc. to revolutionize urban commuting in India. The strategic partnership aims to introduce air taxi services, utilizing Archer's electric take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Midnight, by the year 2026.

The venture plans to address the challenges of commuting between central Delhi and Gurugram, a distance of 27 km, by offering a swift 7-minute flight, regardless of peak traffic hours or regular congestion. The Midnight aircraft, backed by industry giants such as Chrysler-parent Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines, is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between journeys.

InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation intend to finance the acquisition of up to 200 Midnight aircraft for the Indian market. The initial launch of the air taxi service is set to begin in key cities such as New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. While the exact cost of availing this premium service remains undisclosed.

The primary goal of the collaboration is to offer a transformative travel experience, cutting down the commute time for a 27-km trip from Connaught Place to Gurugram, which typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by car, to a mere 7 minutes.

To facilitate the implementation of this futuristic transportation solution, the InterGlobe-Archer partnership plans to work closely with select in-country business partners. This includes the operation of Archer's aircraft, financing, and the construction of vertiport infrastructure.

Beyond urban air taxi services, the collaboration envisions extending its reach into areas such as cargo, logistics, medical and emergency services, as well as private company and charter services. Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe, expressed excitement about the new opportunity, stating, "We are excited at this new opportunity of bringing an effective, futuristic, and sustainable transport solution by introducing Archer’s electric aircraft to India."

Comprehensive training programs will be implemented for pilots and other personnel essential for the seamless operation of the air taxi services.

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Sustainable Transport